Success Stories

Future Marine Biologist

Posted on March 10, 2015

Grace Jackson loves science. She wants to understand cause and effect – especially as it pertains to the world’s oceans. That’s why she’s studying to become a marine biologist. She says her education at John Tyler Community College is helping her build a foundation that she hopes will lead to Old Dominion University, a master’s degree and her dream career. Jackson didn’t come to college right out of high school. She found herself in the workforce after graduation, but she soon found herself longing for more. So, she researched her options and chose Tyler.

Last year, Jackson was among the first students to be selected for the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Bridges to the Baccalaureate Dream-to-Goal program, which is run in partnership between VCU, John Tyler and Thomas Nelson Community College. During the summer months, Jackson spent eight weeks living in VCU dorms, learning about research techniques, and working in a research lab. She says the program, which spans two summers, is giving her new insight into how research really works and is providing her with practical experience both in a laboratory setting and on a larger college campus. She thanks faculty at Tyler for letting her know about the program and encouraging her to apply.